Battalion History
The Boys' Brigade has been active in Romford (1st Romford Company)
since 1910. However the 1st Warley Company can go back to 1890. This Company
was formed by Mr. F.C. Longmore, who was later responsible for founding
the junior section of the Brigade, then called the 'Boy Reserves'. The
1st Brentwood is another old established Company, formed in 1890.
Once 6 or more Companies were firmly established permission was granted
by B.B. Headquarters to form a Battalion in 1939. This was known as the
Romford and Hornchurch Battalion. In 1969 Warley, Brentwood and Hutton
Companies applied for admittance to the Battalion and were warmly welcomed.
The title of then became the Havering and Brentwood Battalion.
B.B. in Havering owe a great deal to the 1st Romford Company, particularly
its Officers. The Company was enrolled on 10th March 1910 and was connected
with the Romford Congregational Church, then situated in South Street,
Romford (now the United Reformed Church Western Road). The Company was
formed by Mr. G.C. Eley, a local schoolmaster, who later became Director
of Education of Essex.
The Battalion has staged many memorable events, too many to list. However, at the Battalion Display in 1963 on the occasion of the Brigades 80th year the Inspecting Officer was the late G. Stanley Smith O.B.E. M.C. former Brigade Secretary, and the son of our Founder Sir William Smith.
Later in June 1974 came another Battalion Display and Open Day in celebration of the Brigades 90th year the former Brigade President, the Earl of Ulgin and Kincardine J.P. D.L was Chief Guest.
In recent years further changes in the Battalion structure have taken place with neighboring Companies joining Havering and Brentwood. In 1997 the 1st South Ockendon were welcomed in, and in 1998, the 1st, 3rd, 4th Dagenham, 4th Barking, 20th West Essex, 1st Gorsebrook Fields and 98th London joined with the demise of the Thameside Battalion.
Havering and Brentwood Battalion constituted and implemented a development plan aimed at helping Companies to grow and modernize programmes and strengthen relationships with their parent churches.